A unipolar universe
Roger Luckhurst's preview of the Out of this World: Science Fiction but not as you know it exhibition ("Other-worldly wise, 12 May) engagingly presents science fiction as "a device for 'othering' the...
Roger Luckhurst's preview of the Out of this World: Science Fiction but not as you know it exhibition ("Other-worldly wise, 12 May) engagingly presents science fiction as "a device for 'othering' the...
Plaudits to Gary Day for his ungainsayable verdict on the UK ("Love hurts", 19 May). "Was it all to end", asked William Morris, "in a counting-house on the top of a cinder-heap?" Morris would have...
I suppose it was inevitable that a professor would write a history of chairs one day ("Sitting targeted", Campus round-up, 19 May).Peter B. Baker, London

Duncan Wu is charmed by a plot inspired by Pythagoras and a star-studded cast of goats

The high drama of the Icelandic sagas reminds us how little we have changed, Gary Day learns

In addition to being a noted parasitologist, university lecturer and administrator, John Barrett was also known for his selfless dedication to others.Born on 21 October 1943, Professor Barrett gained...

A weekly round-up of the best on the scholarly web
Nottingham Trent UniversityBuilding on an iconic pastSir David Attenborough has officially reopened two iconic university buildings. Nottingham Trent University's striking 1950s Newton Building and...

This Tippa model typewriter, silver fountain pen inscribed with the letter J, carved wooden box with record-player needles, brass knuckleduster and pipes made by Allen & Wright were all found in...
A weekly look over the shoulders of our scholar-reviewers

Don鈥檛 look back, look forward - David Willetts explains why change is both necessary and beneficial
The chairman of the board of governors at London Metropolitan University has responded to a complaint from a students鈥 union officer by advising the vice-chancellor to 鈥渒ill her with information and...
Are you are a fan of: Glitz? Glamour? Free booze?
The Commons Science and Technology Committee has questioned the decision to locate the new UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation in central London.

The provision by universities of 鈥渟trategically important and vulnerable鈥 subjects such as mathematics, science and modern languages would have suffered if the funding council had not intervened with...